Many people will remember the great Cadbury’s Conundrum treasure hunt of the mid 1980s where twelve caskets containing a scroll were hidden at secret locations across the country, found through clues hidden in a book written by Don Shaw – the prize for deciphering the clues and finding a hidden casket was a golden egg! What they may not realise is that there was a secret thirteenth larger egg in the series, which was awarded to one very lucky Cadbury’s retailer via a private draw.
Whilst the twelve 22ct gold treasure eggs were each based on a different story or verse and illustration in the book and weighed approximately 250g each, the thirteenth egg, also commissioned by Cadbury’s from Royal goldsmiths Garrard & Co was considerably larger at 323.6g and was based on the front cover of the book itself, incorporating elements of each of the twelve riddles. With exquisite enamel decoration, the title Conundrum with tabby cat sat on top, and the treasure hunter and weather vane are set amidst a star-studded sky among a continuous landscape of scenes from the book.
The Garrard & Co 22ct golden egg: £15,000 - £20,000 (+20% B.P.)
It was offered by Batemans of Stamford for the very first time on behalf of the original recipients and was sold in their auction on 1st July 2017 for a then house record hammer price of £17,200 against pre-sale estimates of £10,000 - £15,000 – the total price paid by the overjoyed buyer (incl. the 20% Buyer’s Premium) was £20,640!
The buyer then had been a private individual who was looking for an interesting investment opportunity who couldn’t believe his luck when he saw the egg featured as coming up for auction. He knew the story, had taken part in hunting for one of the twelve eggs in the 1980’s, and now could be the proud possessor of the finest egg of the series, one that he didn’t know existed until it came to light at Batemans.
He had kept it safely hidden away for the last three years however very sadly passed away last year and the golden egg was inherited by his family. They have now taken the difficult decision to part with the egg and have trusted Batemans Auctioneers to handle such an extraordinary item once again.
Garrard & Co golden egg in its presentation box.
This beautiful, valuable and unique golden egg will be offered for sale in an 'online only' auction on 19th February in the late afternoon as part of Batemans’ specialist quarterly Jewellery & Watches, Silver & Gold Sale.
It will be offered with pre-sale estimates of £15,000 - £20,000, the lot includes its original presentation box and a copy of ‘Conundrum, The Cadbury’s Creme Egg Mystery’ written by Don Shaw, illustrated by Nick Price, published by Hamlyn, 1984.
Managing Director Greg Bateman with the golden egg.
